Effectiveness of Premedication with Analgesics vs Placebo for Success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Irreversible Pulpitis

Abstract

Pain is considered to be the major cause for seeking emergency endodontic treatment. Pain management is of vital importance in endodontics with no exception. Local anesthesia is considered to be the primary method to control pain. An effective local anesthesia cannot be obtained if pulp is inflamed. Clinician prescribes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as premedication on a routine basis for mild to moderate pain to reduce pulpal inflammation before injecting anesthesia. These drugs are beneficial in providing relief from pain and inflammation in irreversible pulpitis and helps in providing effectiveness of inferior alveolar nerve block. Moreover, they have a short half life, which would make them ideal for a single dosage prior to the management of severe pain.